Seward Highway

Quick Facts

Things To Do

Overview

Situated near Anchorage, the Seward Highway is a 127-mile drive through South Central Alaska which takes you through awesome natural beauty on the way to Seward. Recognized for its scenic, natural, historical and recreational values, the highway holds triple designation: USDA Forest Service Scenic Byway, Alaska Scenic Byway, and All-American Road. The first 50 miles of the Seward Highway skirts the base of the Chugach Mountains and the shore of Turnagain Arm, where it's common to see beluga whales, Dall sheep, waterfalls and eagles. The remainder of the drive courses through the mountains, offering dramatic views of wild Alaska. Learn about moose eating habits, the boreal forest, and the Alaska Railroad at Potter Creek Viewpoint and Trail just south of Anchorage. Look for bore tides, beluga whales and the effects of the 1964 9.2 magnitude earthquake along the road. Hundreds of spruce trees were killed when the ground dropped and the trees were standing in salt water. Hike a portion of the 23-mile Johnson Pass Trail, which follows the path of the old Iditarod Trail. Moose Pass and Trail Lakes offer recreation and flight-seeing opportunities. Visit the hatchery at Trail Lake. Once you arrive in Seward, visit Exit Glacier and see if you can see the glacier moving - you can't! There are so many exciting opportunities along the Seward Highway - an excellent way to explore Alaska.

Activities

Auto/Motorcycle

It takes five hours to drive or two days to enjoy the entire byway. For 127 miles, this road from Anchorage to Seward winds through a land of remarkable beauty: a land of saltwater bays, frigid-blue glaciers, knife-edged ridges, and alpine valleys. From the reflective waters of Turnagain Arm, travelers rapidly ascend 1,000 feet above sea level to an alpine meadow. Within the hour, they find themselves back at sea level surrounded by fjords, having just passed through a district of rivers and lakes. This is Alaska's Seward Highway.

Camping

Chugach State Park has 3 campgrounds and 134 sites. The US Forest Service offers 13 campgrounds with 720 sites, and, the City of Seward offers 2 campgrounds with 900 sites.

Seasonality/Weather

Always check weather conditions before setting out. Some parts of the road may be inaccessible due to extreme weather changes.

Directions

Driving

Driving is the best way to experience the Seward Highway. Start in Anchorage and end up in Seward, or vice versa! From Anchoage: Get on AK-1 south. The byway begins at 5th Ave. and Gambell Street/Seward Highway.